Digression: Fermi's Paradox and The Great FilterActivities: Tips for Writing Research Papers:End the research phase. Research produces data that along with your proposal should set you in good stead in producing the paper. I assume you have completed research and have a reservoir of facts. Next:

Organize your notes, cross referencing if possible.

Find pertinent quotes – quotes can account for up to 20% of your paper.

If Possible, use your proposal in creating your initial outline and Introductory Paragraph

Outline: This is a critical step in the process. Your paper will only be as good as the outline you write for it. The paper should emerge from the intro. Like this:

Intro. Paragraph – come up with a solid Thesis Statement based on your proposal or the way the ideas in your proposal have evolved. This is the question you propose to answer in the paper. The intro. is your Thesis Statement expanded to a paragraph. In expanding your thesis

Keep it simple, concise, and definite

Make it specific. If your proposal was very general you may have sharpened it. If you have not done so, do so before going further

Avoid opinion statements

Present the main points you will address allowing a sentence or two for each point

Subheading based on the first main point that you articulated in the intro.

Sub-subheadings if there are multiple aspects to the subject and or if there are multiple findings on the topic – discuss multiple findings and explain which is better and why

Sub-subheadings 2, 3, etc.

Subheadings 2, 3, etc

Concluding paragraph – note the importance of the topic, summarize the points you have made, and suggest directions for further research

Note: as you write be sure you bind the paper together with good transition sentences at the end of each paragraph.

Rough Draft: Write your first draft as freely as possible, following your outline closely. Use all the note information you feel is relevant and important. Don't pad your paper with excessive quotes. When you've finished the rough draft, check for accuracy and completeness of facts. If you think certain sections are too long or too skimpy, rework them until you feel they're the strongest you can make them.

Final Draft: Revise paragraphs for unity and coherence. Reword your sentences for effectiveness of structure, grammar and punctuation. Use a dictionary to check your spelling and usage, or, if you have a computer, run a spell check. You might want to read the paper aloud to yourself to see how it flows and to correct any awkward sentences.